“Outdoor Adventure” opens in Portland

Located at Portland’s Washington Park area across from the Oregon Zoo, the museum is transforming more than 1.3 acres of previously inaccessible land into an outdoor play space, according to its website. Part of first lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” initiative, “Outdoor Adventure” opens April 22.

The new permanent exhibit’s design “focuses on natural elements that promote a sense of place in the Pacific Northwest,” according to the website. Children will be able to explore low boulders along a water feature in the Creek, identify native plants in the Meadow, watch entertainment in the Amphitheater, build habitats and shelters in the Campsite and play with real dirt in the Dig Pit. Other new features include the Toddler Areas, the Overlook, the Pavilion, Trails & Ravines, the Grove and the Tree.

The museum has also commissioned a work by artist Patrick Dougherty, renowned for his monumental sculptures made from natural materials, according to the website. His sculpture will be installed in May.

In addition to “Outdoor Adventure,” the museum also has “Cycle City: A Spin on Bikes” on display for a limited time. The exhibit focuses on the “creative potential of bikes beyond transportation” and includes “The Bike Shop,” “Splashguard,” “Crisscross,” “Bike PDX” and Pedal Power,” according to the website. “Cycle City” closes April 27.

Museum admission is $10 for children and adults (ages 1 to 54) and $9 for seniors (ages 55 and older) and military personnel. For more information, visit www.portlandcm.org or call 503-223-6500.